Random Best Off-Road Vehicles (25 items)

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  (#1) Toyota 4Runner

  • Toyota

  The first generation 4Runner is one of the most versatile 4x4’s ever built. It holds its age well and comes loaded from the factory with off-road friendly goodies, including a removable fiberglass hard-top and solid axles in the front and rear. (It should be noted that the front solid axle was swapped out for independent front suspension in 1986.) Backyard mechanics can easily swap in various motors, drivetrains, and accessories to meet specific needs. Plus, it’s roomy enough to sleep in, and store all your gear. Keep it a daily driver, or transform it into a rock-crawler or Baja worthy pan-American camper. Whatever you choose to use it for, the humble 4Runner will get it done.
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  (#2) Subaru Impreza WRX STI

  • Subaru, Subaru Impreza

  Yes, all of them. With features like their low center of gravity (thanks to their patented Boxer engines, the same style found in the likes of Porsche) and trend-setting all-wheel drive, Subaru makes some of the best off-road vehicles on the planet. There’s very few models that need be avoided due to factory flaws, so just about every Subaru manufactured is an excellent buy. Plus, they come new from the dealer with amazing factory warranties and maintenance plans.
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  (#3) Jeep Wrangler

  • Chrysler, Jeep, American Motors

  The Wrangler is a modern day interpretation of Jeep’s military roots. It gets kicked up to 11 with the Rubicon edition, which offers the ultimate in no-compromise, street legal, off-road vehicles. Featuring a more durable transfer case with lower gearing, and Dana 44” axles in the front and rear, the Rubicon can handle the steepest and most demanding of terrain. Plus, it comes with Jeep’s “Trail Rated” badge, which is only awarded to vehicles that display an exceptional ability to withstand tough terrain, harsh conditions and inclement weather.
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  (#4) Toyota Tacoma

  • Toyota

  Another Toyota truck that’s proven itself off-road is the beloved “Taco.” In 2015, Toyota offered an additional trim level dubbed “TRD Pro.” This edition offers upgraded Bilstein shock, all-terrain tires, Pro skid plates. The 2020 model boasts a Desert Air Intake, which sits high above the windshield - perfect for playing in the mud and water.
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  (#5) Ford F-Series

  • Ford

  This BAMF of a truck was born and bred for Baja style off-road driving. The Raptor was initially revealed to a pleasantly surprised crowd at SEMA 2008, where it was announced the model would be tested in the legendary Baja 1000. After finishing third SCORE’s Class 8, these trucks have remained a 4x4 favorite. With custom tuned reservoir shocks, more than 11 inches of travel front and rear, and an engine boasting 450 horsepower and 510 ft-lb of torque, it’s easy to see why this beast is so beloved.
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  (#6) Toyota Land Cruiser

  • Toyota

  The legendary FJ40 was Toyota’s response to the CJ/Willys Jeep, and its voice can still be heard resonating loud and clear all these decades later. Landcruisers are legendary for a reason, offering bulletproof drivetrains, and torquey V6 motors from the factory. Unless you’re a very small person, you can’t sleep in one of these cars, but you can easily stow or tow your gear. They’re slightly more nimble than they’re American inspiration, and the visceral experience that comes with driving one of these SUV’s far exceeds most other off-road rides. You feel much more like a participant than a viewer, and the personality of these vehicles sticks with you long afterwards.
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  (#7) Chevrolet Colorado

  • General Motors, Chevrolet

  This truck makes an excellent trail-ready daily driver. It was designed for that very purpose, complete with front and rear electronically locking diffs, widened front and rear tracks, and 2” lift. Front and rear bumpers have also been modified for clearance, and the undercarriage is protected from flying debris thanks to thick, aluminum skid plates. The Bison edition, a first-time collaboration between Chevy and American Expedition Vehicles, kicks things up to 11 with additional fog lamps and AEV air snorkel. 
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  (#8) Land Rover Defender

  • Land Rover

  The Defender seamlessly blends on-road comfort with off-roading capabilities, thanks to its roots in the original Land Rover models. Those rugged vehicles were perfect as off-road rescue and post-office vehicles, but lacking in the luxuries department. Over the years, they added various quality-of-life upgrades, such as expanded drivetrain options, transmissions with synchros for smoother operation, more comfortable interiors, and coil-spring suspensions in place of leaf springs. By 1990, the Defender brand was officially in place, representing the combination of Land Rover’s indominable off-roading prowess with comfort, style, and luxury.
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  (#9) Nissan Xterra

  • Nissan

  In an era of crossovers and overly civilized SUV’s, the Xterra represents the last of a dying breed of capable, fun, factory-born trail crawlers. The PRO-4x offers off-road worthy upgrades including Bilstein dampers in the front, selectable locking differential on the solid rear axle, and BF Goodrich Rugged Terrain tires on all four corners. Powered by a 4.0 liter V6, this compact SUV is nimble as a billy goat, and about as eager as the passengers to keep playing.
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  (#10) Chevrolet K5 Blazer

  • General Motors, Chevrolet

  Like the Toyota 4Runner, the Blazer was offered with a removable hardtop until 1975. It was then switched to a half-cab, removable top for the remainder of its production years. This makes the Blazer another versatile off-road vehicle, with lots of ground clearance and power from the factory. It’s GM’s smallest full-sized SUV, which gives it a shorter wheelbase more fit for hitting the trails and boulders. The simple layout makes upgrades and modifications a breeze, and the classic styling can’t be beat.
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  (#11) Volkswagen Vanagon

  Looks can definitely be deceiving, as is proved by this 4x4 vintage camping van. Most people don’t know that VW developed 4x4 technology as far back as WWII for the German military. They expanded into off-road vehicles designed for civilian use in the 70’s. Some Vanagons were outfitted from the factory with 4x4 “Syncro” drivetrains, which are surprisingly durable and versatile. Limited numbers of the Vanagon were sold with VW’s 4x4 system, which makes them one of the ultimate factory off-road vehicles. Videos demonstrating their off-road prowess show how capable these vans truly are, with little to no modifications (although modifications don’t hurt). You can take them practically anywhere, sleep and cook in them, and drive a little piece of automobile history. What more could you ask for?
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  (#12) Chevrolet C/K

  • General Motors, Chevrolet

  It’s true these trucks were never formally offered with an off-road drivetrain. However, these rugged workhorses are easy to modify, as their design allows them to easily accommodate custom suspensions, lifts, and bigger tires without much fuss. For those who like to leave things stock, the K-Series trucks came standard with bulletproof gearboxes, and solid axles in the front and rear. This makes them more than capable of tackling most tasks without aftermarket additions.
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  (#13) Mercedes-Benz G-Class

  • Mercedes-Benz

  What can be said about the G-Class that hasn’t already been said? These classy yet indestructible SUV’s have been representing the finest in off-road sophistication since 1979, with roots going back to post WWII. Over the years, they’ve been used as Popemobiles and in desert wars. They’ve also become more powerful and luxurious with each passing year, perfect for those who want to keep their pinkies out while they off-road. 
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  (#14) Jeep CJ

  • Jeep

  This car is widely considered to be the forefather of recreational off-road vehicles. The first CJ was launched in 1944, as a way to meet the growing demand for civilian 4x4’s. They were basically modified versions of the “scout” cars commissioned by the US military for WWII. These SUV’s were bulletproof, but incredibly utilitarian. The 3A was the first CJ to feature “luxuries” such as extra leg and headroom, leakproof connections between the canvas roof and side doors, and additional seat padding. The 3B further revolutionized the market with the introduction of the F-Head Hurricane engine, whose novel inlet-over-exhaust design allowed for higher compression ratios and improved flow. These designs set the stage for Jeep style SUV’s for years to come, including the Land Rover brand, and iconic Toyota Land Cruiser.
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  (#15) Toyota Hilux

  • Toyota

  The T100 represents Baja 1000 style off-roading royalty. Since 1972, Toyota has been testing its trucks on that rugged racetrack between Tijuna and La Paz, Mexico. Time and again, their trucks like the T100 have come in first in their class. Its wide stance and bulletproof reliability make it a favorite of off-roaders all over the world.
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  (#16) Dodge Ram

  • Chrysler

  A classic work truck gets overhauled for premium off-roading. With upgrades like Bilstein off-road shocks, 1” factory lift, and 17” wheels wrapped in 33” Toyo tires, the Rebel is ready to hit your favorite trails. It's also offered with lower gearing, more horsepower, and  skid plates for all the things. Bold exterior features help you stand out from the crowd, while a custom interior with luxuries like a heated steering wheel keep you comfy on your adventures.
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  (#17) Ford Bronco

  • Ford

  The Bronco was introduced to the blossoming world of civilian four-by-fouring in 1965. It was conceived by Ford general manager Donald Frey, the same brilliant mind behind the Mustang. The Bronco offers more interior space and a higher towing capacity than the Jeeps of its time, along with a more comfortable ride. It also boasts limited-slip differentials in the front and rear for better off-road traction. Best of all, it came from the factory with a 289 cubic-inch V8, which makes it the first civilian 4x4 sold with an eight cylinder motor. The first generation is considered the best choice of Broncos, because it has better safety ratings than the second gen and the best body style for off-roading out of the later models.
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  (#18) Jeep Comanche

  • Chrysler, Jeep, American Motors

  Jeep has a long history of building heavy-duty, compact, off-road capable trucks. From the original Willys Jeep 4x4 Truck, to the super-cool Scrambler, to the Gladiator (the classic and modern versions), there aren’t any wrong choices. However, the Comanche stands out for its iconic 1980’s personality, exceptional workhorse capabilities, and user-friendly design. The Comanche, or MJ, is a truck version of the Cherokee with a brilliant, unique body/frame known as a “uniframe.” The cab is a unibody, and the bed is a frame-on-body, which provides better support for the cargo box. This means the humble Comanche is capable of hauling much more than other trucks its size - perfect for loading up with all your gear, spare tires, and fuel, and hitting the trails.
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  (#19) Hummer H1

  • Hummer

  It’s infuriating to see one of these off-road behemoths sitting in traffic, but these machines are a sight to behold when used as intended. Hummers have serious 4x4 capabilities in their blood. They’re a civilian version of the United States Military Humvee, or “High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle,” which have been in production since 1983. They are basically armoured tanks on four wheels, with the ability to ford up to five feet of water, Nearly a decade later, the Hummer was introduced to the civilian market, largely due to the insistence of Arnold Schwarzenegger after falling in love with a Humvee on the set of Kindergarten Cop. The first generation Hummer, or H1, is a slightly downgraded Humvee with glossy paint and conveniences like air conditioning, sound insulation, and a stereo. Perfect for your next outdoor adventure, or when the zombies come.
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  (#20) Jeep Grand Cherokee

  • Chrysler, Jeep

  A grand solution for those craving off-road adventure, but unwilling to sacrifice ride quality while on the tarmac as well as off it. All Jeeps are Trail Rated for maximum traction, water fording, maneuverability, articulation, and ground clearance. The Top Summit Trim package gives extra grip on any terrain via an intelligent Quadra-Drive II four-wheel system, in addition to Jeep’s standard Selec-Terrain Traction Management. This novel system provides on-the-fly adjustments to traction control, ride height, and gearing systems - giving you more control over your ride from the comfort of your cockpit.
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  (#21) International Harvester Scout

  • International Harvester, Scout

  The Safari is a soft-top version of the iconic Harvester Scout, one of the coolest off-road vehicles on the planet. Initially offered as a consumer-friendly option to the bare-bones, utilitarian Willys Jeep of the 1960’s, the Scout helped set the standard for modern recreational off-road vehicles and 4x4’s. The Softop Safari II was International Harvester’s response to the Jeep CJ, complete with soft top and soft doors, a roll bar, plastic door inserts and grille, and Jeep-style side-mirrors mounted high on the A-pillars. These lovely beasts were only produced from 1977-1979, so finding one may be a challenge - but totally worth it.
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  (#22) Suzuki Samurai

  This humble hero is considered by many to be one of the greatest off-road classic cars ever built. Suzuki has been experimenting with off-road vehicles since 1970, when they released the LJ10, or “Light Jeep 10.” After successfully selling several generations of their Light Jeeps in various markets, Suzuki crafted one for the US market. Dubbed the “Samurai,” these nimble, lightweight 4x4’s were sold from 1985-1995. They might not be the most powerful or attractive car on the lot, but they’ll keep on going where their heavier counterparts get stuck. Samurais are also very easy to modify and maintain, which makes these pocket-sized SUV’s exceptional rally cars.
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  (#23) Dodge Power Wagon

  • Dodge

  The Power Wagon’s roots stem from military use like some other vehicles listed here. During WWII, Dodge built over 255,000 military trucks. These three-quarter ton trucks came with various body shapes for different purposes, including, command cars, weapon carriers, and reconnaissance vehicles. As the war was coming to an end, Dodge recognized a need/want for civilian off-road vehicles, and in March 1946 the first civilian 4x4 truck was offered to the public. Beloved by utility companies and farmers, these versatile workhorses make excellent “mobile power units,” capable of hooking both the front and rear ends up to a myriad of equipment and accessories, including winches and plows. It was discontinued in 1980, and revitalitized in 2005 - however, its modern successor lacks the personality, class, and versatility of the vintage models.
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  (#24) Toyota Tercel

  • Toyota

  Bet you didn’t know the second generation Tercel was offered with a 4x4 drivetrains! Unlike most other 4x4’s, the Tercel 4WD system was designed and built without a transfer case. Known as solid four-wheel drive, Tercel’s 4WD system is also the simplest. The front and rear wheels are locked together, making it excellent for gaining traction on slippery surfaces. Once traction is regained, the driver can shift smoothly back into two-wheel drive. This makes these little “Turtles,” as they’re affectionately known by their passionate owners, excellent part-time off-roaders for those who need to combine their daily driver with their trail toy.
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  (#25) Volkswagen Beetle

  • Volkswagen

  The iconic and versatile Beetle lends itself well to off-roading applications. They are simple to work on, and easily accommodate upgraded suspensions, bigger tires, and aftermarket engines. Plus, sticking with air-cooled motors means less maintenance and fluids while out on the trails. It’s no wonder so many have been converted into Baja Bugs - they will run just about anywhere, can take quite a beating, and keep on going.

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